AN: Well, so far the first two chapters have been a good success. Some people are curious if the one who started the fire in the second chapter was either a human or something else. Well, you're going to have to wait and find out. I will also say this right now, this story is going to have some pretty dark moments. And if you read my Zuma's Fear story, then you know that I am not afraid to go into very dark territory.
Also, does anybody know if the series takes places somewhere in the US or Canada? Truth be told it feels like it can go either way.
Disclaimer: I don't own Paw Patrol
While Costal City was very famous for its tall buildings and luscious architectural design, one building was more famous than any other. It had grown over the years since it was first built over 120 years ago, but the family that owed it had been around longer than that since their roots in Ireland. Nobody was allowed into the building, much less the gates without permission or work permit, even the Mayor of the city had to set up an appointment.
This was none other than Lugna Tower. A sparkling white tower at 30 floors with the flaming trinity logo that had been the family's coat of arms since ancient days. The tower was not only home to the Lugna family, but was also one of the home of some of the most advance technology in the world. It had been a leading founder of technological advances in both computers, military, science, public service and rescue, and their biggest donations: firefighters.
The business portion of the company was done on the first twenty floors while the remaining ten served only for the family of the Lugna line and their only servant. Currently, the sole heir and last of the line was in his lavishing living room with high class red furniture, fireplace, set of collected arts and painting, and 90 inch plasma screen TV. Instead of using that, Travis was instead watching a crowd of photographers, reporters, and newscasters outside of the gates via holographic interface connected to the security system. Tablet in hand he swiped it and summoned a second holographic screen that showed the news castings from all over the nation talking about him, not to mention a few tweets about him having returned and wondering if he would show case his father's suit.
The suit. He had yet to try it on, or even go through simulation with hit. A part of him was afraid to do so, but another part of him was reluctant to do it because he had no partner. Every Lugna who held the suit and held the family duty did it with a partner, and now he had to follow the same route. Yet can I be that hero without Marshall?
The living room door opened and Rodrick appeared, holding a cucumber and bacon sandwich and milk. "You're lunch is ready, sir."
"Just place it on the coffee table," said Travis without looking.
Rodrick proceeded to do so before he looked back as his young master. "The board of directors wish to have a meeting with you tomorrow. They wish to know how you plan on using your new position now that you are claiming your father's seat as head of the company."
"Tell the board I will meet with them in the morning," said Travis as he swiped his tablet and let the holograms fade. "As for what I plan to do," he walked over and took his sandwich before taking a bite, "I plan on letting things stay the same. Only I want to devote an additional six percent of our funding, resources, and such to the fire prevention program we have. Have the equipment I requested come through?"
"Yes sir," said Rodrick. "The holy water, blessed from the River Jorden, has arrived and ready for use. The silver crosses made from the silver mines of Argentina will be here tomorrow. And that shards of St. Joan of Arc's weapons are currently being used to upgrade your ax."
"Good. If they are going to appear again, we'll be prepared," said Travis as he finished the rest of his lunch.
"There are two more things you must take note of sir," said Rodrick.
"Which are?"
"Mayor Dalton wishes to speak with you at some point soon to discuss the upcoming National Firedog's Championship Tournament," muttered Rodrick with a displeasure in his tone upon mentioning the mayor's name.
Travis paused in lifting his drink and stared at his butler with a burning flame of anger in his glare. "That idiot is mayor now?! After what he did all those years ago?! Why?!"
"Apparently, he's very charismatic…" muttered Rodrick.
"Or he was brown nosing a lot of high class people…" growled Travis in disgust as he put down his drink, unable to find the appetite to finish it. "When the fire on the ship was starting, he ordered his men to save the high class people first. Mostly those of political and business ranks. No doubt they would help him fund and influence his campaign for mayor. Meanwhile, my father and Axel went to save the ones trapped below, the non-rich, and get them to safety at the cost of their lives. Sometimes I wonder if there is justice in this world."
He pushed the memories of that day behind him and asked, "What's this National Firedog's Championship thing?"
"It was started a year after you left the city, sir," answered Rodrick as he took the tablet and activated another hologram. This time it showed newspaper clips, web videos, and even a wiki page about the tournament. "It was made in honor of Axel, a tournament of the best fire pups in the world coming together for the chance of great fame and glory. It's very popular here. According to the Mayor, he believes that his tournament's winner will help you find your new partner."
"He has no right to decide that," growled Travis as he grabbed the tablet and shut it off. "I decide who I want as a partner. If I even want another one."
"Still, it's a big charity organization, and much is for the Firefighter's of the city. Our company help pays for it too," said Rodrick. "It would be best if you did attend, to show support for them like your father did."
"… I suppose," whispered Travis. "But that doesn't mean I'll take a partner then and there."
Suddenly, there as a loud alarm as red lights began to flick on and off in not just the living room, but all the other rooms in the top floor. Like lightning, the two rushed out of the door and headed towards the elevator before pressing a button labeled with the trinity symbol. It rushed up to the top and upon stopping the two entered what many would call a secret lair if not the fact that this room wasn't much a secret.
It pure white with multiple control panels, holographic and physical screens that were showing various amounts of data, graphs, reports, and satellite photos. There was entire hallway dedicated to data servers and a small equipment desk with various tools for inventions or creations. There was even a small lab behind a glass door with the latest scientific equipment and resources. All used in the war against something not human. Heading over to the main super computer, Travis typed into it as the middle floor opened up and revealed a large 3d map of the city.
"Is it one of them?" asked Rodrick, concerned. After all, his young master hadn't even tried on the suit yet.
"No, but the Gabriel System just sensed a burst of magic being used. Fire magic specifically," muttered Travis as he read the data. He turned around and saw a red dot appearing on the 3D map before zooming in. "Corner of W32nd and North Ave."
He typed into the computer again and this time a news report appeared on the screen with a young African American lady speaking at the camera. "-And as you can see firefighters and police have just arrived on the scene. The sudden explosion was so close to our team that News Channel 8 was on the scene first to just catch the beginnings of the fire."
The camera lifted up to show a small complex building being overcome by fire and flames. The rescue workers were working at full speed to get people out of the area and set up for their fight against the fire.
"Do you think this is a message, sir?" asked Rodrick. "After all, you being back in town has probably caught the eye of our enemy."
"Perhaps," muttered Travis as he felt his hand clenched. "They want to greet me their usual way, that's fine. But not when innocent lives are at risk." He closed his eyes and relaxed before turning to Rodrick. "We're going there."
"You're going to help them out?" asked Rodrick.
"Know, but that fire is weak. It will take them only two hours or so to put it out," muttered Travis. "I want to investigate the place when it's been cleared. Find what caused it and if it was magic or not."
"And if magic was involved?" asked Rodrick as he got out the car keys.
Travis sighed, "Then we got more to expect later."
As he predicted, the fire was almost mostly out save for the top floor where the flames were hottest. Travis figured it must be the center where the spell was summoned and resolved to check it out first. Naturally, his car attracted attention as reporters and civilians were trying to get to him and his car, many asking if he was here because of what he represented. Thankfully, the police were alerted ahead of time and blocked the way so he could have better access.
Arriving at the scene, Travis got out, followed by Rodrick, as one of the fire captains came over and shook his hand. "When I heard you were coming I didn't believe it. Welcome back."
Travis nodded in kind as he watched the crew putting out the last of the fire. "You seem to have this under control."
"My team's the best, we even have the World's Fastest Firepup," said the captain as he whistled and a pup who was spraying water with her own custom made red puppack, paused and rushed over. Travis had a look at her. She seemed to be a dalmatian, age 16, with more white on her then spots. She was wearing a firemen's uniform custom made for a pup, but instead of red and yellow it was red and black and single black flame with a smaller red flame inside of it was her patch on her shoulders. Her eyes held a rare determination and courage that Travis had rarely seen in such dogs.
"Ember reporting for duty, sir," she said with a salute. She turned to Travis and saluted him too. "Travis Lugna, it's an honor to meet you as well. Are you here to evaluate me before the upcoming tournament?"
"Excuse me?" asked Travis, tilting his head.
"The National Firedog's Championship Tournament, sir," said Ember with pride as she stood straight up with her chest puffed out. "I look forward to being your partner, sir. I broke most of the Firepup and Firedog records since I was 8. I've been training my entire life from both my department and my family to become your new partner."
"… that's nice, Ember," said Travis, taking a sigh. "But I'm more focused on that fire which is not normal."
He walked closer to the fire and eyed it, noticing how the flames were not retreating despite six different hoses firing onto it. "How long have you been firing your water at it?" asked Travis?
"About almost an hour now, we have no idea what's keeping it going," said the captain.
Travis slowly took of his pendent which was starting to slowly glow. "I have an idea but I need to get in there." He turned to the captain and Ember. "I need a spare suit. Also, Ember I need you to come with me to keep the fire off my back."
"Sir?" asked Rodrick stepping forward. "Are you sure? Wouldn't using the Navan Suit be a better choice?"
"The Navan Suit is for fighting them, Rodrick," muttered Travis as a fireman came over with a spare firefighter's outfit. "And this isn't them... yet."
AN: Next one will continue this as well as show a bit more with Marshall. And before people ask, yes, Ember is going to be a reoccurring character.